Chapter 4
Christian asked her to go somewhere private so they could talk without worrying about prying eyes.
He picked a secluded, private room at the restaurant. He revealed all she needed to know: his grandfather made him marry Mara, and he found out today that Mara pretended to be Helena's daughter but wasn't. He spent the last four years searching for her to no avail. He intended to make Mara sign a three-month marriage contract to placate his grandfather. But now he has finally found Victoria and even discovered that she was the one his grandfather wanted him to wed. Victoria finally felt at ease after hearing everything. Her excitement overflowed, but she tried not to let him notice her joy.
She suddenly burst into tears, and Christian feared he was the cause. She reassured him by explaining that those tears were of joy. Without saying another word, he took her hand and led her out of the private room. It was already 8 p.m. and the sky had turned dark. Christian told Colin that he was done for the day and suggested he go home. He opened the passenger door for Victoria, buckled her seatbelt, and then got into the car himself. He drove directly to city hall. Victoria asked Christian, 'Why are we here?' He plainly responded that they were obtaining their marriage certificate.
Victoria found herself completely speechless. 'I would love to marry you,' she began quietly, 'but we need to have a discussion first. After that, you'll determine whether you remain certain. It's been four years since we last saw each other, and we barely know each other—aren't we making a mistake by getting married impulsively? Isn't this a bit rash? Christian gave her a reassuring smile and said, 'If you'd like to marry me as well, let's tie the knot. My heart is set on you; there's nothing I want more.' I haven't stopped thinking about you since that night. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you for the past four years. He told her that when he first saw her, he thought he would kill her for abandoning him, but then he felt the exact opposite.
There's something I must tell you: I am the parent of twins, one boy and one girl. Their names are Luke and Maya. They are just three years old. Victoria couldn't bring herself to meet Christian's gaze. He gently lifted her chin to look into her eyes and asked, 'Are they mine?' If they are not mine I will adopt them and treat them like my own. All I know is that I want to be with you and you and the kids will not lack anything."
Feeling unsure if he was serious or not, Victoria informed him that he's the only person she’s ever been with. Christian felt immense joy when he found out he was a father, even though it pained him that he hadn't been part of his child's life for the first three years. They obtained their marriage certificate, but Victoria asked him to keep it under wraps for the time being. She had to figure out how to talk to her kids about their father before they found out about the new marriage. Hence, they will be living apart until then. She asked for a month to coax her kids especially Luke because he was territorial when it came to his mother. He often reminded everyone that he was in charge at home. Giving up that position was not going to be easy.
She realized she had acted impulsively by marrying without first informing her children, worried about whether they'd dislike Christian. She wasn't worried about Maya, Luke was another story. She didn't even inform her mother. She believed she was irresponsible and shifted the blame onto Christian, even though she realized they were both reckless for getting married like this. She made the decision to inform them the same day as she realized she wouldn't do it if she waited.
However, upon arriving home, she found herself unable to tell them. She made numerous attempts, but their only interest was in hearing about their aunt's engagement party. And how their grandmother was, they couldn't wait to see her. After hearing numerous tales of her kindness, they thought she possessed the same sweetness as their mother.